Yallourn Power Station owner EnergyAustralia and its employees have donated $12,020 to support Gippsland communities impacted by this summer’s devastating bushfire.
As part of its commitment to support the communities where it operates, EnergyAustralia has provided $8510 to the Gippsland Bushfire Appeal, run by the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF). Employees raised $3510, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by EnergyAustralia.
The appeal supports people affected by a major bushfire that is continuing to burn across Gippsland.
So far the fire has claimed homes and there has been extensive loss of livestock and damage to other buildings and property.
Executive Manager, Yallourn, Mark Pearson said EnergyAustralia was committed to supporting the community where EnergyAustralia operated and its employees lived.
“The bushfire has had a huge impact on the Gippsland community and our employees wanted to find a way to help those whose lives have been so severely affected,” Mr Pearson said.
“The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund’s previous work has helped thousands of people through difficult times, and that’s why we were keen to donate to this appeal that will make a real difference to those who need support.”
GERF President John Mitchell praised the generosity of Energy Australia and its employees in this donation.
“It is a particularly significant donation from the people and management of Energy Australia,” Mr Mitchell said.
“These funds will be provided to those who have had their property destroyed by the Aberfeldy bushfire.
“Much of it will go toward replacing household property or, in many cases, fencing, shedding and water tanks.
“The Gippsland community is resilient and our Fund is proud to play its part in ensuring we help our affected neighbours during times of natural disaster, whether it is from bushfire, flood or storm.
“The Fund was established in the 1978 following the Ash Wednesday fires with the aim of providing immediate financial relief to our fellow Gippslanders and we can only do this if we raise the funds to distribute.
“We’re aiming to raise $200,000 in this Bushfire Appeal and have already made significant distributions. We thank you for your contribution.”
The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund is a registered charitable organisation (registered number A0020241A) and all donations are tax deductible.
Donations can be made in three ways:
- At any branch of the National Australia Bank, BSB: 083 932, Account Number: 048299080;
- Online by following the link on the GERF website at www.relieffund.org.au; or
- Via post to Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 508, TRARALGON, VIC, AUSTRALIA, 3844